Manufacturers have a simple way of classifying plastic
containers using a classification method called Resin Identification Code. This
code uses numbers to classify plastics based on the material used in their
manufacture. These numbers are known as recycling numbers, which range from
numbers 1 to 7 and they describe how safe or unsafe the plastic container is to
human beings and are always printed at the bottom of these plastic containers.
Below is a simple breakdown of these recycling numbers and their recyclability:
Plastic# 1
These are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET). They are
clear in color and mostly used in disposable beverage and food containers e.g.
soda and water. Also found in household cleaning containers. They are
considered safe but they allow accumulation of bacteria and when used for hot
beverages, could potentially leach into these liquids. They are accepted by
recycling programs.
Plastic# 2
High density Polyethylene (HDPE). They are opaque and
recyclable. Mostly used in milk jugs, juice bottles, toiletries bottles, and
cereal box liners etc. they are considered safe because of their low risk of
leaching when used for containing hot substances. They are also accepted by
recycling programs.
Plastic# 3
Vinyl or Polyvinyl (V or PVC). Plastic #3 is used in
manufacturing of plumbing pipes, detergent bottles and food wrap. These
plastics are considered VERY UNSAFE because they may contain phthalates which
are linked to numerous health issues ranging from miscarriages to developmental
issues. They also contain DEHA, which is carcinogenic. DEHA is linked to other
health complications like liver complications and bone mass loss. AVOID
plastic# 3 especially where hot foods or liquids are to be used or when the
oven has to be used to heat food. They are rarely accepted by recycling
programs.
Plastic# 4
Low density Polyethylene (LDPE). Mostly used for manufacture
of shopping bags, carpet and squeezable bottles among other more products. It
is among those plastics considered safe for use. They are difficult to recycle
hence advisable to reuse them.
Plastic# 5
Polypropylene (PP). Used to manufacture microwave safe
plastic containers, medicine containers, and yogurt containers. These plastics
also lies in the range of plastics considered as safe. It is also accepted by
most recycling programs.
Plastic# 6
Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS). Used to make disposable
containers and food wares. Very common also in packaging industries e.g.
peanuts packing, manufacture of CD cases etc. These plastics are potential
health hazards because of their ease in leaching especially when heated. They
tend to leach toxic chemicals. They are not readily accepted by recycling programs
and they take ages and ages to decompose.
Plastic# 7
In this category, all other plastics not in the above
categories. Usage of these plastics is at your own risk since the chemical
composition is unknown. Some of these plastics include the bio plastics,
poly-carbonates which have the highly toxic BPA, Bis-phenol-A or the new kid on
the block, Bis-phenol- S which is a hormone disruptor which leads to infertility
as one of the main complications. Examples are some computer parts, sport
equipment, DVDs etc. they are difficult to recycle hence shunned away by most
recycling programs.
For all plastic users, now you have an insight of your
plastics. Bottom line is, avoid plastic #3, #6 and #7 and where possible, avoid
plastic #1. Plastics #2, 4 and 5 are considered safe for human use. However, I
personally advice against the use of any plastics because of their contribution
to, most of all, environmental degradation especially plastics #4. When it
comes to health issues, well, what can I say, the numbers speak for themselves,
so fellow earthlings, go back to your kitchens and place every plastic you find
upside down on the counter, then check and dispose off any unsafe plastic
products, in an environmentally friendly manner if I may add. Furthermore, as
the English man says, Better safe than sorry.
